Antioxidant Activity Of Extracts Research Articles

Evaluation of TPC, TFC, and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Piper longum L.

Evaluation of TPC, TFC, and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Piper longum L.

Enhancing the Antioxidant, Anti-tyrosinase and Anti-elastase Activity of Pigmented Rice Extracts by Sonication, Heating, Enzyme Digestion and Fermentation

In the modern cosmetics industry, there exists a major trend for replacement of synthetic chemicals with plant-based ingredients in skincare formulation. This research aimed to assess the efficiency of different methods to extract bioactive compounds (as measured by total phenolic content; TPC and total flavonoid content; TFC) responsible for three important cosmeceutical properties (antioxidation, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-elastase) from selected rice grains. The grains of two varieties of purplish-black rice (Neaw Leum Pua; NLP) and black rice (Hom Nil; HN) were extracted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and then supplementary treated with sonication, heating, and proteolytic enzyme digestion or fermented with Aspergillus niger. The results showed that sonication slightly enhanced TPC and TFC, but significantly increased antioxidant capacity and anti-tyrosinase activity. The high temperature of 60℃ and 100℃ significantly increased antioxidant capacity based on FRAP assay but reduced that based on DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anti-tyrosinase activity was enhanced by high temperature but that of anti-elastase was inhibited. The addition of papain to the seed extracts slightly enhanced anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activity. Notably, fermented rice grains exhibited much greater yields of TPC and TFC, and higher biochemical activities than other methods. The fermented rice exhibited the highest TFC after 3 days; the highest TPC, antioxidant capacity, and tyrosinase inhibition after 6 days; and the highest elastase inhibition activity after 9 days. Therefore, fermentation was the most promising technique to enhance all three desirable properties for cosmetic ingredients when pigmented rice was used as the raw material.

Phytoconstituents of Terminalia catappa Linn Fruits Extract Exhibit Promising Antidiabetic Activities Against α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase In Vitro and In Silico

Terminalia Catappa fruits are recognized for their use in diabetes treatment, yet the mechanism by which they inhibit diabetes-related enzymes remain largely undefined. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic potential and interactions of T. catappa fruit extract through in vitro and in silico approaches. The compounds from T. catappa fruit were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction techniques, followed by qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis via GC-MS. The physicochemical properties were evaluated according to the Lipinski rule and ADMET criteria. Antidiabetic analyses, both in vitro and in silico, were performed on the secondary metabolites found in T. catappa fruit, targeting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of T. catappa fruit contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. These extracts inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a dose-dependent manner, with the methanol extract of T. catappa showing significantly higher inhibitory activity than pure acarbose (by two- and five-fold, respectively) and the ethyl acetate extract. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was seven times greater than that of the ethyl acetate extract. Molecular docking studies supported these findings, revealing that the ΔG values of gibberellic acid, rescinnamine, and digoxin were comparable to those of acarbose. Notably, digoxin has higher ΔG values against α-amylase than acarbose, while gibberellic acid, rescinnamine, and nerolidol showed ΔG values similar to acarbose. Gibberellic acid, unique to the methanol extract, demonstrated high ΔG values, suggesting its significant role in the extract's enhanced glucosidase and amylase inhibitory activities. This study identifies specific compounds (digitoxin, rescinnamine, gibberellic acid, and nerolidol) and proposes the potential of multi-target drugs in diabetes treatment. Understanding these phytochemical constituents and their effects on diabetes-involved enzymes could benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those at higher risk of complications.

Comparative Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Cocoa Beans Methanol Extract and its N-Butanol Fraction Obtained from Jembrana, Bali, Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the differences in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity between the methanol extract of cocoa beans and the n-butanol fraction obtained from Jembrana, Bali. Maceration technique was used in this research. The crude extract of cocoa beans was partitioned based on polarity to determine which fraction has the most potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The n-butanol fraction was evaporated to obtain a polar fraction from the methanol extract of cocoa beans. UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to measure the total content of flavonoids and tannins in the methanol extract of cocoa beans and the n-butanol fraction. Research found that the methanol extract of Balinese cocoa beans had a total flavonoid content of 0.34 g/100 g and tannins of 0.37 g/100 g. However, the n-butanol fraction had a total flavonoid content of 15.34 g/100 g and tannin 20.16 g/100 g. The IC50 value of the methanol extract was 29.66 ?g/ml, while the n-butanol fraction was 2.63 ?g/ml. The AAI of the methanol extract was 1.35 and the n-butanol fraction was 2.63, indicating that the n-butanol fraction had stronger antioxidant activity with higher flavonoid and tannin content than the methanol extract. The implication of this research is that the n-butanol fraction of cocoa bean methanol extract has the potential as a source of bioactive compounds that can be utilized in the development of high added value products, especially in the context of food pharmaceuticals or other health product.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK BENGKUANG (Pachyrhizus erosus) SEBAGAI ANTIOKSIDAN TERHADAP KADAR KOLESTEROLTINGGI PADA MENCIT(Mus musculus)

High cholesterol levels in the blood are a serious problem because they are a risk factor for various non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes mellitus. Empirically, the secondary metabolic contents of jicama such as saponins& flavonoids have their respective properties. Saponin functions to bind cholesterol with bile acids so that it can reduce cholesterol levels. The results of the antioxidant activity test, the IC50 value of jicama extract is 115.20 mg/mL, which indicates that the antioxidant activity of jicama extract is classified as a moderate antioxidant. The results of measuring cholesterol levels after treatment showed that there was a decrease in cholesterol levels after giving jicama extract treatment in each group, seen in treatment 1 (P1) at 113.4 with a difference of 2.6 from cholesterol before administration, treatment 2 (P2) at 110.8 with a difference of 4.6 of cholesterol before administration, treatment 3 (P3) was 110.6 with a difference of 7.6 from cholesterol before administration of jicama extract, positive control (K+) was 108.4 with a difference of 30.2 from cholesterol before administration, negative control (K-) was 122.6 with a difference of 0.2 antioxidants from purple cabbage, namely 115.20 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of purple cabbage is in the very strong category and vitamin C is in the very strong category.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Tobacco Flower Extract in Different Solvents

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a commercial plant that is extensively used, particularly for its leaves. Thus far, exploration on the flower part is still limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of tobacco flower extracts in different solvents. Tobacco flowers were macerated separately in methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane. Each extract was assayed by color reaction test to detect the phytochemical content. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH methods, respectively. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids are detected in methanol and ethanol extract, anthraquinones is only detected in methanol, while glycosides and steroids are only detected in n-hexane extracts. Among the other extracts, the methanol extract was the richest in phytochemical compounds and had the highest TPC (132.589±0.662 mgGAE/g). However, tobacco flower extract in all solvents were less effective as antioxidant due to very high IC50 values (>500 µg/mL).

Aktivitas antioksidan dan kandungan flavonoid total ekstrak etanol batang bajakah kalalawit (Uncaria cordata (Lour) Merr.) asal Kecamatan Loksado Kalimantan Selatan

Bajakah kalalawit (Uncaria cordata (Lour) Merr.) is widely used by Dayak Tribes, based on empirical evidence, and often used to treat diabetes and various diseases such as cancer. This research aimed to determine the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of U. cordata stems. The sample used bajakah kalalawit from Loklahung village, Loksado District, South Hulu Sungai Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Flavonoid levels were determined using quercetin standards, 10% AlCl3 reagent, and 5% acetic acid, then measured at a wavelength of 416 nm, while the antioxidant activity using DPPH 0.4 mM in UV-Vis spectroscopy at a wavelength of 516 nm. The results obtained were a thick extract mass with a dark brown color and a distinctive aroma. The total flavonoid content of the ethanol extract of U. cordata stems was found to be 3.6 ± 0.086 % w/w equivalent quercetin and showed very strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 9.159 ppm.

Enhancing Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs) Extraction Yield from Fischerella sp. F5 using Experimental Design

Background: Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are ultraviolet-absorbing metabolites found in cyanobacteria, fungi, algae, and animals, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: This study aimed to optimize MAAs extraction from Fischerella sp. F5 using experimental design techniques. Methods: The central composite design was employed to determine the optimal levels of five factors: Total extraction time, temperature, sonication time, methanol ratio, and solvent volume. Each run involved extracting 100 mg of dried biomass under the specified conditions. Mycosporine-like amino acids content was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging test. The best model was selected based on the highest R2 value, and the optimized extraction conditions were determined. Results: Mycosporine-like amino acids content in the final extracts ranged from 27.7% to 89%, with antioxidant activities ranging from 15% to 59.3%. Overall, all factors showed a positive correlation with MAAs content in the final extract. However, no significant model was established to correlate extraction conditions with MAAs purity ratio (MAA%) or extract antioxidant activity. Conclusions: The bioactivity of partially purified MAAs may be influenced by factors such as associated impurities extracted alongside MAAs, which were not investigated in this study. Further research is necessary to identify the exact factors affecting MAAs extraction yield and purity, aiming to obtain partially purified MAAs extracts with optimal bioactivity.

Green and sustainable techniques to increase the extraction of phenolic compounds from turnip greens by‐products

AbstractThe work was aimed to optimize extraction and recovery of phenolics from turnip greens by‐products using eco‐sustainable techniques based on the use of microwaves, ultrasound, or enzymes and of water as solvent. The optimization of ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted extractions was performed using a 4‐factors/3‐levels and a 3‐factors/3‐levels Box–Behnken Design (BBD), respectively and the results of the corresponding trials were fitted to a second order polynomial model. The enzymatic extractions were performed using three different commercial enzymatic preparations, optionally combined with an ultrasound treatment carried out according to the central values of the BBD design. The best results obtained from each green technique were compared with those of the conventional solid–liquid extraction performed with a 70% ethanol aqueous solution. Regarding ultrasounds, the conditions able to maximize the total phenolic concentrations of the extracts (solid–water ratio, 50 g/L; T, 45°C; t, 40 min; power, 24 W) increased the extraction efficiency by about 75% and reduced the extraction times from 2 h to 10 min with respect to the conventional extraction. Concerning microwaves, the optimized conditions (solid‐water ratio, 75 g/L; t, 3 min; power, 160 W) allowed the increase of the extraction efficiency by about 48% and the decrease of the extraction times to just a few minutes. For both techniques, the factor that mainly affected extraction yield and antioxidant activity were “solids‐to‐solvent ratio” and “power,” respectively. According to the results of the enzymatic treatments, the best extraction was that performed with the commercial mix of pectinlyase, polygalacturonase, pectinesterase, and arabinase, which had the same extraction efficiency of microwaves but required longer times (90 min). Furthermore, the combination with ultrasounds did not improve its performances. Extraction technique also affected the phenolic profiles in terms of number and concentration of compounds identified. In conclusion, ultrasounds and microwaves are the best treatments to maximize extraction yield (the first) and minimize extraction time (the second).Practical applicationsThis study presents an approach to the sustainable recovery of phenolics contained in vegetable by‐products that can be adapted to a variety of food waste. It also supplies an overview of the extraction technique efficiency. The industrial adoption of our findings can lead to the following advantages: reduction food waste and/or remove from it compounds that can alter the ecosystem balance; reduction of disposal cost; production of precious ingredients for functional foods/natural cosmetics/natural supplements; obtainment of a new source of income by creating a further activity that can run in parallel with the main production of the company and can serve to diversify investments; improvement of the green image of the company, especially if the energy necessary to the energy needed to power the new process is obtained from renewable sources.

Antioxidant Activity and Effectiveness of Fig Extract in Counteracting Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rats

Figs are the edible fruits of the fig tree, Ficus carica L., that have been used for centuries for human consumption and in traditional medicine, to treat skin problems, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. Our previous study investigated the presence of phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts of two Algerian popular fig varieties, azendjar (Az) and taamriouth (Ta), as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. In this study, we assessed hydroethanolic extracts of these fig varieties. The total phenolic content was measured, along with the phenolic profile. Rutin was determined to be the dominant phenolic compound, followed by vanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, quercetin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, rosmarinic acid (in Az only), and cinnamic acid. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated both in vitro (DPPH and FRAP assays) and in vivo, in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride. In all assays, the fig extract—especially the dark-peeled fig variety azendjar—showed antioxidant potency. The administration of fig extract resulted in a reduction in liver damage, expressed by both different biochemical markers and histopathological study (less degraded liver architecture, reduced fibrosis, and only mild inflammation). A dose-dependent therapeutic effect was observed. The extract from the dark-peeled fig variety, Az, was characterized by a higher phenolic content and a stronger antioxidant activity than the extract from the light-peeled variety—Ta. Our study justifies the use of figs in traditional healing and shows the potential of using fig extracts in natural medicines and functional foods.

Nutritional and antioxidant potential of Pleurotus djamor (Rumph. ex Fr.) Boedijn produced on agronomic wastes banana leaves and sugarcane bagasse substrates.

Global food production faces challenges concerning access to nutritious and sustainably produced food. Pleurotus djamor, however, is an edible mushroom that can be cultivated on agricultural waste. Considering that nutritional and functional potential of mushrooms can change based on cultivation conditions, we examined the influence of substrates with different compositions of banana leaf and sugarcane bagasse on the nutritional, mycochemical, and antioxidant properties of P. djamor. The mushrooms were grown for 120 days and dried in a circulating air oven at 45°C for three days. We conducted bromatological analyses and mycochemical characterization (1H-NMR, total phenolics, and flavonoids) of the mushrooms and assayed the antioxidant activity of extracts from the dried mushrooms using an ethanol/water solution (70:30 v/v). In general, the substrates produced mushrooms with high protein (18.77 ± 0.24% to 17.80 ± 0.34%) and dietary fiber content (18.02 ± 0.05% to 19.32 ± 0.39%), and with low lipid (0.28 + 0.08% to 0.4 + 0.6%), and caloric content (maximum value: 258.42 + 8.49), with no significant differences between the groups (p ≥ 0.05). The mushrooms also exhibited high levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. The mushrooms cultivated on sugarcane bagasse substrates presented the highest values (p < 0.05). Analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra indicates an abundant presence of heteropolysaccharides, β-glucans, α-glucans, and oligosaccharides, and all the mushroom extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that agricultural residues permit sustainable production of edible mushrooms while maintaining nutritional and functional properties.

Relationship between Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Some Moroccan Date Palm Fruit Varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A Two-Year Study.

In Morocco, the abundance of low-value varieties in the oases may provide an opportunity to capitalize on this richness to create new nutraceutical food products. In this context, the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of four Moroccan date varieties were analyzed. Our results indicate that the levels of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total condensed tannins vary, respectively, from 91.86 to 364.35 mg GAE/100 g of dry weight (DW), 46.59 to 111.80 mg QE/100 g DW and 16.10 to 42.03 mg CE/100 g DW during the 2021 harvest season. Furthermore, during the 2022 harvest season, these contents vary, respectively, from 119.13 to 410.39 mg GAE/100 g DW, 59.30 to 110.85 mg QE/100 g DW and 21.93 to 53.95 mg CE/100 g DW. The results of the HPLC-UV-VIS analysis revealed that, in all four varieties, gallic acid was and remained one of the major compounds in the date extracts. In addition, a high antioxidant activity of date extracts was particularly observed in the three tests, namely ferric reducing power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating capacity (FIC) and the phosphomolybdate test. This richness in phenolic compounds makes low-value dates a source of active ingredient that can replace the synthetic antioxidants used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Phytochemical Analysis, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Root Extracts from Paeonia Species in Serbia.

Without being aware of their chemical composition, many cultures have used herbaceous peony roots for medicinal purposes. Modern phytopreparations intended for use in human therapy require specific knowledge about the chemistry of peony roots and their biological activities. In this study, ethanol-water extracts were prepared by maceration and microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extractions (MAE and UAE, respectively) in order to obtain bioactive molecules from the roots of Paeonia tenuifolia L., Paeonia peregrina Mill., and Paeonia officinalis L. wild growing in Serbia. Chemical characterization; polyphenol and flavonoid content; antioxidant, multianti-enzymatic, and antibacterial activities of extracts; and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) of hot water extracts were performed. The strongest anti-cholinesterase activity was observed in PT extracts. The highest anti-ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical potential was observed in PP extracts, whereas against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals), the best results were achieved with PO extracts. Regarding antibacterial activity, extracts were strongly potent against Bacillus cereus. A molecular docking simulation was conducted to gather insights into the binding affinity and interactions of polyphenols and other Paeonia-specific molecules in the active sites of tested enzymes. In vitro GID of Paeonia teas showed a different recovery and behavior of the individual bioactives, with an increased recovery of methyl gallate and digallate and a decreased recovery of paeoniflorin and its derivatives. PT (Gulenovci) and PP (Pirot) extracts obtained by UAE and M were more efficient in the majority of the bioactivity assays. This study represents an initial step toward the possible application of Paeonia root extracts in pharmacy, medicine, and food technologies.

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF ACTINOMYCETES ISOLATED FROM TERMITE NESTS

Actinomycetes are an important source for the discovery of bioactive secondary metabolite compounds. Over 10,000 bioactive metabolite compounds have been isolated from terrestrial actinomycetes with various biological activities, such as antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, and antioxidant. One source of origin for actinomycetes is soil, including termite nests. Utilization of natural sources such as actinomycetes from termite nests as antioxidants and antibacterials can be an alternative source of production of new secondary metabolite compounds. This research aims to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of actinomycete extracts from termite nests. Antioxidant activity using the DPPH free radical scavenging method, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity were performed by using the TLC dot-blot, TLC bioautography, and microdilution methods to determine the inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50), antioxidant activity index (AAI), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). From the 33 extracts tested, 16 extracts showed antioxidant activity with IC50 values range of 76.64-126.22 µg/mL or AAI value &gt; 0.05 (moderate), and 8 extracts had moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC values range of 256-512 µg/mL). Future research for scaling-up of actinomycete culture, isolating of active compounds, determining of the chemical structure of active compounds, and further testing as antioxidants and antibacterials still need to be carried out. 

Fermentation of Orange Peels by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Impact on Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity.

Orange processing generates peel by-products rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavanones like hesperidin and narirutin, offering potential health benefits. Utilizing these by-products is of significant interest in supporting Spain's circular bioeconomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the fermentation of orange peels by different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and its impact on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Three different LAB strains, two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and one Levilactobacillus brevis were utilized. The phenolic compounds were measured by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS methods. The growth of the LAB strains varied, showing initial increases followed by gradual declines, with strain-specific patterns observed. Medium acidification occurred during fermentation. A phenolic analysis revealed an 11% increase in phenolic acids in peels fermented by La. plantarum CECT 9567-C4 after 24 h, attributed to glycosylation by LAB enzymes. The flavonoid content exhibited diverse trends, with Le. brevis showing an 8% increase. The antioxidant assays demonstrated strain- and time-dependent variations. Positive correlations were found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. The results underscore the importance of bacterial selection and fermentation time for tailored phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in orange peel extracts. LAB fermentation, particularly with La. plantarum CECT 9567 and Le. brevis, holds promise for enhancing the recovery of phenolic compounds and augmenting antioxidant activity in orange peels, suggesting potential applications in food and beverage processing.

Polyphenolic Composition and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antihyperglycemic Activity of Different Extracts of Teucrium montanum from Ozren Mountain.

Teucrium montanum has widespread use in folk medicine on the Balkan peninsula. In order to scientifically justify this use, the composition and biological activity of aqueous, ethanol, and acetone extract were investigated in this study. Moreover, acetone and ethanol extracts were obtained from the plant material previously exhausted by water extraction. A total of 27 compounds were detected in extracts by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, with all of them present in acetone and ethanol extracts. Consequentially, the acetone and ethanol extracts showed higher contents of total phenols of 23% and 18%, respectively, compared to the water extract. The results indicated high biological potential in the investigated extracts. Among all extracts, the aqueous extract showed slightly higher antimicrobial potential, especially against Gram-positive strains, probably due to the release of components soluble in water from the dry unexhausted plant material. On the other hand, the acetone and ethanol extracts had significantly higher antioxidative (by 20%), anti-inflammatory activity (up to 3 and 4 times higher, respectively), and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential (3 times higher) than the aqueous extract. The results of this investigation reveal the great potential of the use of T. montanum in various branches of food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. An important part of this research is a confirmation that, once exhausted by water extraction, for example by hydrodistillation, T. montanum plant material can be reused for obtaining valuable products with a wide range of biological activities.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of &lt;em&gt;Dittrichia viscosa maritime&lt;/em&gt; (L.), an Aromatic and Medicinal Plant from Northern Morocco

Dittrichia viscosa, a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, was collected in a coastal site located in northern Morocco. This study focused on exploring the phytochemical composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) and solvents (methanol and acetone) extract of leaves, stems, and flowers. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined, and the result showed a high level of TPC and TFC in leaves with the values of 127.61 mg GAEs/g and 117.82 mg CEs/g, respectively. HPLC-MS analysis highlighted 18 phenolic acids and flavonoids, with notable quantities of apigenin 7-glucoside (2233 μg/g) and chlorogenic acid (1429 μg/g). GC‒MS analysis of EOs allowed the identification of 27 biologically active compounds, dominated by decanoic acid (20.98%) and toluene (19.66%). Regarding the biological activities, antioxidant activity was evaluated through the DPPH test, while antifungal activity was tested using the microdilution method. The most potent antioxidant effect was observed in the methanol extract of leaves, with a value of 0.18 mg/mL, while the weakest effect was noted in the acetone extract of flowers, registering a value of 1.63 mg/mL. Similarly, the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts surpassed that of acetonic extracts in each part of D. viscosa. Concerning antifungal activity, the findings reveal that all extracts demonstrated important capacity against the tested pathogens. The methanolic extract displayed high efficacy compared to the acetonic one, with MFC values ranging between 1.94-3.38 mg/mL and 2.88-4.75 for Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively. However, for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the MFCs were higher (7.5-8.5 mg/mL). Regarding EOs, the MFCs were more favorable for the three human pathogenic fungi, ranging between 1.88 and 3.35 µL/mL, compared to F. oxysporum, which has an MFCs of 3.5 µL/mL. In summary, the findings demonstrated that D. viscosa could be considered a useful alternative and reliable source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

Apple Tree Leaves (Malus domestica Borkh) as a Valuable Source of Polyphenolic Compounds with a High Antioxidant Capacity

The aim of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in extracts prepared from freeze-dried leaves of three apple cultivars: Ligol, Gala, and Gloster, using different solvents and extraction methods. The content of total polyphenols was determined using the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent method, and a qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyphenols was performed using the HPLC method. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined using the DPPH radical method. The colour parameters (in the CIEL*a*b system) of the obtained extracts were also determined. The antioxidant activity of apple leaf extracts increased with increasing polyphenol content. Water–alcoholic extracts from apple leaves were characterised by a significantly higher antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content in comparison with water extracts. The best solvent was a mixture of water and methanol (80%). Among the phenolic compounds identified in the extracts, the most common was phloridzin. The highest content of phloridzin (105.0 mg/1 g of dry weight) was found in water–methanol extracts from the leaves of the Ligol variety obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction. The extracts with the highest antioxidant activity (131.2 μmol of Trolox/1 g of dry weight) and polyphenol content (81.9 mg GAE/1 g of dry weight) were water–methanol from the leaves of the Ligol cultivar, obtained by shaking them with a solvent.

Wounding stress enhances the anti-obesogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of carrots (Daucuscarota)

This study evaluated the health benefits of carrots (Daucus carota) subjected to post-harvest wounding stress, emphasizing their anti-obesogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Carrots were shredded and stored at 15 ± 2 °C for 48 h to induce wounding stress, leading to a significant increase in chlorogenic acid content, by over 112.5 % compared to control. The study utilized 3T3-L1 cell differentiation assays to evaluate the anti-obesogenic potential, monitoring changes in lipid accumulation and adipogenesis-related gene expression. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring nitrite production, while the antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DCFH-DA assay in Caco-2 cells. Key findings include a notable reduction in lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells with stressed carrot extracts, particularly at 166 μg/mL concentration, showing an 18 % decrease compared to the control. Furthermore, there was a significant alteration in the expression of adipogenesis-related genes, with a 73 % decrease in FAS expression and a 160 % increase in ATGL expression. The stressed carrot extracts at 125 μg/mL also exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting nitrite production by 44.60 %, a 153.26 % increase over the lower concentration. Additionally, antioxidant activity in stressed carrot extracts increased by 77.15 % at 125 μg/mL. These results indicate that wounding stress significantly boosts the health-promoting properties of carrots, suggesting their potential as functional foods for combating obesity and metabolic syndrome-related diseases. The study highlights the value of post-harvest treatments in enhancing the nutraceutical quality of vegetables.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes.

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL-intended for industrial plantations and KC-intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68-1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97-980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30-885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95-6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46-5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84-2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 μmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 μmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313-0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.